Hello!
I usually hang out in the IDI diesel forum, but my favorite truck is my '65 F350 my Dad and I rebuilt...the truck I learned how to twist wrenches on!
My question is about the '77 model year and the frame changes.
Information I've heard and read says that mid-year in '77 the frames changed. I haven't had time to read about the changes, but it has to do with width and axle differences?
I'm in the market for a F250 4x4 to mount my '65 cab onto and finally acquire a modern chassis! ('65 F350's are a pain!)
Just before my '65 came off the road due to front hub issues, I bought a 352 FE. It now has 16k miles on it, and I'd like to swap it into this new highboy. From what I understand, the FE's were dropped at the end of the '76 model year. The early 77's got the 351/400 even with the old frame. Then halfway throught he model year, the frame changed and the 351/400 combo stayed.
I'm wondering about putting my 352 into a '77 F250. What am I in for as far as motor mounts go? Am I making my own or could I swap 73-76 FE mounts into the 77?
Thanks guys!

 

'77 F250 4x4's with a serial # of Y20,000 or older were so called highboys, and had a narrower frame. I'm pretty sure the narrower frame is just in the rear. On second thought, the front part of the frames is the same, and the frame flares out in the rear at about the back of the cab on the newer models. The earlier ones were straight from front to back. Been a looong time since I had a highboy.

 

An early 1977 F-250 would be a High boy, and you could take frame towers from an earlier High boy and use those to bolt in your FE engine. That would not work for a later 1977 truck.

The later (non-High boy) trucks have some significant (IMHO) improvements in the drivetrain. For example they have an integral power steering box instead of the Rube Goldberg inspired "power assist" system.

 

FE and Inline 6 perches are the same, they just differ in which factory frame holes each one utilizes.

Josh

 

Ok, Cool!
Thanks for the information guys, that sure helps!
Now, if the late '77-'79 style have the better steering, is there a good way to use my FE with this chassis or will I be making custom motor mounts?
But, if the front frame section is similar, wouldn't the earlier frame towers swap over?
What about swapping all the late '77-'79 desirable parts into a 73-early 77 highboy? Such as a Dana 60 Sno-Fighter axle, desirable steering setup, etc.

Since my '65 cab is supposed to bolt right onto any 65-79 frame, this is the goal I'm shooting for.
I know the other forums like pictures, so here's some to enjoy!


I'm a landscaper, so my trucks get abused daily in terms of hard work. My '85 F350's are diesels and love the beating, so I'd love to have my '65 become more useful as a work truck. Right now, the 2wd dually is OK, but could be better. Snow plow, dump bed, 4x4, and a modern chassis is the goal!
I know this is the dentside forum, so I'm sorry to talk about my Slick with you guys. But, your dentside chassis seems very good for me! Thanks guys, I truly appreciate your help!

 

1977 Ford f-250 hi-boy 4x4 or part out

Here's the rig I speak of. I haven't gone to check it out yet, so I can't verify if it's an early or late 77. But, having a 460 I assume it's a late '77-'79 style.
My plan would be to install my FE/NP435 and run with it. Then, over the winter I would install my '65 cab onto the chassis. Then run it hard!

Now that I think (type) out loud, I seem to remember the late 77-79 have married transfer cases. Crap, my NP435 is a 2wd! So I'll have to acquire a NP435/NP205 or T18/NP205 combo. But that's easy enough.

 

Not sure why the previous poster brought up the steering situation. It has nothing to do with the engines.

Just find either FE or 300 straight 6 perches and bolt away. Just pay attention to whether you will need a different transmission crossmember for what you are planning.

Alos keep in mind 2wd FE engines have a front sump oil pan and 4X4 pans have a rear sump.

Josh

 

It doesn't really work that way....all of the desirable parts are actually built into the frame itself.

I'm not so sure that truck on Craigslist is a "Highboy". It could be a 77.5. If so, I would ****** it up. If not, I'd pass. The 77 and earlier frames are no where near "modern". They are a relic from the early days of four-wheel drive. Back when 4x4's were simply "converted" from two wheel drive trucks.

 

Ok, Thanks again for the help!
I know a buddy with FE Dentsides, I'll see if he has spare motor mounts.

You're right, 73-early 77 isn't modern. But, my '65 F350 currently has 58-66 era chassis parts...not easy to find parts for. Get this, my dually 16" wheels are a 6 on 7.25 bolt pattern and they're a two-piece wheel! (shake head in disgust) They're called widow-maker wheels for a nickname!

I have my '85 and I like the 80's chassis, but putting a cool stylin' cab onto that chassis doesn't work in terms of lining up wheel well openings and other members have reported having to cut the firewall out and make a new one because the engine hits it. The cool part is that with a dentside chassis, I have cool cabs to choose from! This is really like going to Subway and ordering whatever you want. I can choose a 65/66 slick, 67-72, or a 73-79 cab. I can do whatever engine/trans combo as well. The older trucks have SOO much more character than the 80-97 trucks as well!

So maybe my current recipe should be a late 77-79 F250 4x4, Install highboy FE or I6 perches and my 352 FE, Acquire a NP435/Married NP205 combo or T18/Married NP205 combo, keep my eye open for a Dana 60 sno-fighter axle, Install my 65 cab onto the chassis, build a flatbed, and run with it.

If the cragslist truck is a late 77-79 style, I should buy it then and use that truck right?

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help!

 

Came up with another question. What was the first year the 460 was offered in F250 4x4's?
The craigslist truck had a 460 that the seller has pulled. 1976 was the end of the FE engines, 1977 was the beginning of the 351/400. Was 1977 the introduction of the 460? That would help determine the early or late '77 model year issue.

 

Not in any dents. Sometime in the '80's, not sure what year.